County Board Launches Amnesty Week to Clear Court Fines

During a recent McHenry County Board meeting, several key initiatives and upcoming events were discussed, highlighting the county's commitment to community support and fiscal responsibility.

The board announced a special committee meeting scheduled for September 26 to discuss the fiscal year 2025 budget, emphasizing the importance of public input in financial planning. Additionally, the McHenry County Circuit Clerk's office will hold its annual Amnesty Week from November 8 to November 15, allowing residents to pay overdue court fines without incurring interest or late fees. This initiative has previously helped 127 individuals save approximately $34,000 in fees and has facilitated the payment of around $43,000 in overdue fines.

On November 15, the Circuit Clerk will collaborate with Prairie State Legal Services and the McHenry County Bar Association to host an expungement clinic, providing free assistance to individuals seeking to clear their criminal records. Information about these events is available on the county's website.

Board member Mr. Kearns highlighted discussions from a recent transportation meeting regarding Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds and non-dedicated roads, noting that these topics will be revisited in the upcoming meeting on October 30.

Furthermore, Ms. Ness announced a mental health first aid course offered by the Veterans Assistance Commission on September 25, which is open to all community members at no charge.

The meeting also addressed procedural matters, including reminders about compliance with the Open Meetings Act regarding email communications among board members.

The session concluded with a brief public comment period, indicating ongoing community engagement in local governance.